TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is likely to extend a nationwide state of emergency imposed over the coronavirus, possibly by another month, local media reported on Thursday (April 30).
The measure was initially declared on April 7 across seven regions experiencing a spike in infections, but was later expanded to cover the entire country.
In parliament on Thursday, Abe said the country's healthcare system continues to face an"extremely tough situation." Local media including the Nikkei newspaper reported the government would convene a panel of experts on Friday to discuss the virus and the state of emergency, adding that the experts had already informally backed a move to extend the measures.
The declaration has limited effect compared to measures seen in some parts of Europe and elsewhere. It allows governors to call on people to stay home and urge businesses to close, but there are no punishments for those who fail to comply.
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